Russian MPs will not be able to travel freely abroad in the future without prior permission according to a new law passed today by the State word, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
If MPs, who sometimes have access to sensitive information and even state secrets, go on holiday abroad without permission in the future, they may lose their mandate.
There has previously been serious criticism in Russia of MPs traveling abroad, especially after some of them posted photos on social media of luxury trips while many of their fellow citizens were serving at the front in Ukraine.
Now Duma deputies and Federation Council senators must obtain permission before traveling abroad. Except for business trips, they are unlikely to be able to travel privately abroad in the future without prior conditions.
The initiators of the law also pointed out that a large number of elected officials are subject to EU sanctions and could be prosecuted if they end up in EU member states.
It is stated that the restrictions are needed not only to protect the deputies, but also serve the interests of Russia.
Ukraine, for example, has issued sentences against a number of Russian lawmakers, some of which include prison sentences in absentia. Because of this, Russian citizens risk being arrested abroad by Interpol, according to the initiators of the law.
„If someone goes on vacation to Lake Baikal or the Volga River in Russia, that is welcome,” said Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. “But when it comes to islands – The Maldives or Bali – colleagues, nothing personal, but this is not correct for the country and the voters”, he added, explaining the restrictions introduced.